Chapter 27: Chapter 26: Aftermath

"..kari.....AKARI!"

 

 "AHHHHHHHH!" I suddenly wake up and remember that many sharp alien teeth are about to end my existence.  

 

I try to sit up straight, but immediately after, I shout out from pain in my leg "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" 

 

"Calm down! Akari, calm down, you are safe!" I recognize that voice, it's Aine.

 

I quickly look around and find myself lying on a bed....obviously no longer in mortal danger.

 

After a few moments, my heart rate returns to something more reasonable, no longer beating insanely fast. At this point, I seem to be able to think clearly again. 

 

"<ugh> what happened? Where am I? Ouch!" My leg hurts. Yep, it really hurts.

 

"Easy now...." I hear my mom's voice. 

 

She's sitting next to me on a chair, and leans over to embrace me. Huh? Is this a hospital bed? 

 

"Mom....where am I?"

 

"You are in the Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital." She simply says. Okay...

 

"What...what happened?"

 

"You don't remember? A few hours ago, you attacked that...that creature and then passed out."

 

"Yesah...I remember that, but then what? Is everyone safe?"

 

"Yes we are safe." I recognized the voice, but she startled me. I turn my head and see Empress Shilshi very close to my face, making me withdraw my head in a reflex. 

 

"Our apologies, Akari. We didn't mean to frighten you."

 

Mom helps me sit upright properly, by putting a supporting pillow behind my back. Now I can have a proper conversation at least. I see a curtain next to my bed, dividing the room into two sections.

 

I guess most people from the meeting earlier are now standing around me....two Empresses, no make that three, and the Emperor. No, I'm still missing people....I'll ask later. Oh and the news crew is also here..at least they are not filming now.

 

"Mom....why did I lose consciousness? I remember that...thing....coming for me...what happened?"  I feel....so slow. I'm so tired. Like all of this is just a dream.

 

"Allow us to answer that question, Akari." My Empress said. "Five Kakross probes managed to land close to us. Your Fuku warned us, so we could inform our guards, but in the end the Rogues were too fast." She looks at my leg and gives me a sad look.

 

"Rogues? I remember, yes."

 

"Yes, we are ashamed to admit it. Apparently we haven't wiped out all of our rogue Hives. Akari, we apologize for this. It means we have a traitor in one of our Hives. We vow to find them." The Kakross Empress, Shilshi said with a determined look in her eyes.

 

"I see. But why am I lying here?" 

 

My Empress then said, "First, your friend Kenji finished off that Rogue. But not before it injured your leg. You, our dear daughter, lost your temper again. Not that we mind...for you have saved us by severely wounding that Rogue. We are most pleased that you protected us by your actions. In any case...you released the Zanpur again, the Queen's last hope."

 

"<Ugh>....so that's why I'm feeling so tired?"

 

"Yes, my dear. While we reminded you earlier to relax....it was exactly this state of anger that protected us all."

 

"Wait, didn't you just say that five Rogues made it here?"

 

"Yes....four of them were wiped out by our collective security guards. The last one was already injured but still managed to reach us. You and Kenji took care of the rest."

 

"Ooh...I think it is finally beginning to make sense now." I nodded.

 

"Very good. Then let us thank you for your sacrifice. You protected us all and secured the future of our Hives." The Kakross Empress said while she respectfully bowed to me.

 

"We see you don't understand. Let us enlighten you." My Empress said with a big smile.  "Why do you think it is called the Queen's last hope?"

 

"Eh...because it makes you sleepy, and then you lose consciousness?" I shrugged.

 

"No, Akari. It means you can actually die while defending your Hive, because it uses every last bit of energy from your body. Historically it was only used by aging Queens who were willing to protect their younger successors by sacrificing themselves. So that is why we speak of sacrifice. You really need to learn how to relax....there are guards for a reason. A sacrifice is no longer needed in these modern times. Except for today it seems."

 

"But the sacrifice still has been made. That she is still alive only pleases us. We shall reward her appropriately." The Kakross Empress said while putting her hand on my shoulder for a moment.

She then gently took me out of my mothers embrace on the bed and pulled me up into her arms like a mother who carries her baby. It's quite embarrassing, but I don't have the energy to struggle.

 

I know I lost weight by the transformation, but my god, she must have monstrous strength.

 

I glanced at their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan and I could see that they were still half in shock. But when Empress Shilshi took me in her arms, I could see warmth in their eyes again.

 

I had no idea what she was about to do to me..until she kissed me.

 

"Mmmmmm! " Yep, she decided to feed me as a reward. Yuck! But again...I don't have the power to fight. I just surrendered to her.

 

Mmm? It's actually not bad? Reminds me of strawberry yogurt?

 

"Relax Akari....you need energy for your health. And being fed is the best way to return it to you." My Empress said.

 

After a few minutes the feeding stopped. My stomach was already quite full from dinner, but somehow this just fits in my stomach.

 

I see my mom and the others looking at me....what are they thinking? I feel so embarrassed....but I also feel the strength returning to me.

 

"We thank you, Akari. For saving us. All of us." While still in her arms she rubbed her cheeks against mine and cooed. I didn't know they could do that....I mean...a race of warriors. She doesn't hesitate to kill one of her annoying drones, but now acts like this?

 

Now I really feel that this has gone far enough. 

Just before I could protest, she put me down on my feet.

 

"Ouch!" My leg hurts again.

 

I almost lost my balance, but with Aine's help I could stand properly again.

 

"Thank you for feeding me, Empress." I just have to stay polite, even if it hurts, standing like this.

 

"It is our pleasure to properly reward you. For protecting us with the ultimate sacrifice....you shall henceforth be called my daughter."

 

Oh noooo no no no.

"Eh...thank you for the honor. I am...speechless."  I truly am....I didn't see this coming.

 

I glanced at my real mom and she held her hand in front of her mouth....yep....this is a normal day for me, mom.

 

I tried to change the topic to something more important. I see Kenji's here as well.

"Kenji...the guards...how....?"

 

Kenji shook his head. I don't like that expression one bit. 

 

"We have heavy casualties on all sides. Considering how well armed all of our guards were, it's inexplicable how those Rogues got through our defenses at all." Kenji said after crossing his arms.

 

"Our drones are well armed and our exoskeleton is hard to breach.....our former drones....we apologize." The Kakross Empress bowed to Kenji and her expression was one of sorrow.

 

I just nodded at her. "I see. Kenji, do they require any medical attention from us?"  

 

"Not at the moment, emergency responders were already standing by, so help arrived fast. That's how we were able to get you here so fast. I think for now things are under control." 

 

"Akari, I think you really need to lie down again. You have stitches in that leg." Mom said...or rather...commanded, while pointing at my leg.

 

"Oh....yeah.....I can imagine that. How bad is it?" I mean, I can still stand, so I hope it's alright?

 

I lie down on the bed while enduring the pain, until my leg can rest again.

 

Mom then says "that thing put its claws in your leg. You were bleeding so much that your friends agreed to have you taken to a nearby hospital. Bringing you back to that ship of yours would have taken too long. But we later learned from the doctor that even though there was quite a lot of blood, the wound was not very deep. It may leave a scar, though."

 

"But we will take you to the Akagi soon, and the doctor will further treat you there. But for now, I can only thank the doctors here for helping you. I thought I had lost you..." Aine begins to cry...probably only now realizing what has happened.

 

"Come here...mom," I motioned Aine to come closer to me....and then I gave her a hug. 

 

"I should console you, not the other way around." Aine said with tears in her eyes. 

 

"No, no, Aine. Thank you for being there with me. Always."

After a minute she could smile again. That is when I noticed that mom's eyes were also teary.

 

Then I hear someone enter this room.

 

"Queen Akari...I am doctor Kamata. Are you in pain?" 

 

The others stepped aside to let the doctor, a human one of course, approach me.

 

"Kamata-sensei. Thank you very much for your help. My leg hurts, yes, but when I stay still it's not so bad. It's just that I feel my heartbeat in that area."

 

"That's normal and means that your body is healing. It's a natural response to prevent infection. Anyway, we couldn't give you any medicine, afraid that we might hurt you in other ways. You do have stitches in your leg, so please don't stand on it."

 

"Eh....yeah...I may have accidentally done that already." I made sure to look apologetic.

 

"Alright, let's have a look." 

 

The doctor removes the bandages in order to check the stiches. They must have removed the lower part of my pants before, because the uniform only reaches to my knees now.

 

"You will need fresh bandages, but the stitches are still fine, so don't worry about that. I'm afraid that you will have a scar on that leg, but otherwise I expect that you will heal properly. Just...don't stand on your leg for a while."

 

"Thank you, sensei."

 

"Doctor? Does she need to stay here? Or can we move her to our medical bay?" Aine asked.

 

"No, there is no need for her to stay here, so she can leave anytime. However, please ask her doctor to remove the stitches once the leg is healed properly."

 

The doctor excused himself and then I noticed that I hadn't spoken with our hosts...the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

 

I turn to their Majesties and say "your Majesties....are you alright?"

 

"Yes, Akari. Shocked, but alright. We do have some bruises, but that's nothing compared with you."

The Empress said with a sad expression. 

 

Her husband sits next to her and puts his arm around her. Something you wouldn't see in public. I guess in the end, they're just people too.

 

I smiled. "It's not a competition, or is it?"

 

That put a smile on her face. "No Akari, it isn't."

 

"I can only apologize for what happened. Security was as good as possible, but still it wasn't enough. 

We will take even more precautions next time, assuming you will still let me visit?"

 

"Of course, Akari, and you are not to blame for this."

 

Although they were shocked by these events, they still agreed that the present company was not to be blamed. Very diplomatic indeed, considering what just happened.

 

"If you don't mind me asking......I mean....I don't mind that you are here. But why aren't you in a maximum security location now?" I just had to ask.

 

"That was by my order," Kenji said. "Back when this all happened, the Palace was no longer a secure area. This place is unknown to the attackers and getting everyone to safety was our number one priority."

 

"I see. And thank you, Kenji. Good thinking."

 

He smiled at me. 

 

"Aine?"

 

"Yes, Akari?"

 

"Where is my husband?"

 

"Nivri? He, Kira, Chiri and Ghan insisted on helping the people secure the Palace."

 

"Ah, I see." I nodded.

 

"The JSDF promised to give them a ride here as soon as they finished scanning the area for any stragglers." Kenji added.  

 

I nodded again. Nivri...he must feel responsible for the attack. He's our head of security after all. 

But now...I just want him to be here. With me.

People are quiet in this room....too quiet, like they are afraid to speak.

So I decided to act like a proper Queen again and asked my Empress for more escorts to protect Earth, and she readily agreed.

Now it's time for me to speak to Satoshi and his crew in order to determine just how much Earth has witnessed from all of this. They are sitting in the corner, giving me some privacy. With a loud voice I say "Satoshi, you and your team can come over here now."

 

Within only a few seconds they were standing near the foot of my bed.

 

"Queen Akari....it is good to see you alive....after what happened." He had the same sad expression as most here.

 

"Satoshi, are you and your people unharmed?"

 

"Yes, Akari, but this really scared the hell out of us. We didn't know you could do that."

 

"Eh...you mean ..ME?  I scared the hell out of you? Not that Rogue?"

 

"Eh.....yes?" He shrugged.

 

"My god." I facepalmed. Sure, just blame it all on Akari. "Satoshi...just how much did your camera witness?"

 

"Everything until you passed out and Kenji shot that thing. We then severed the uplink and tried to help the injured guards, but Kenji forbade us to help." He glanced at Kenji. 

 

I then look at Kenji, who feels the need to reply.

 

"It was imperative to ensure the safety of everyone, so that includes you guys." Kenji says with an authoritative voice. 

 

"It's okay, Kenji. They understand, I guess it's just human nature, wanting to help others." I said.

 

"Or their insatiable appetite for news." Kenji replied. He looks a bit miffed. Perhaps something else happened here? I think it's best to just drop the matter.

After making sure that he and his team were unharmed I said, "Don't worry everyone, I will be fine. Satoshi, are you interested in filming live again? Or is that thing busted from the attack?"

 

"Nope, we can go live any minute. But are you sure you're up for it?"

 

"I am. So please make the necessary preparations. But I first need a few more minutes."

 

"Alright, take your time."

 

I look at Kenji, "Kenji, where are the President and mister Wall?"

 

At that exact moment someone pushed the curtain back so I could see who was lying next to me.

 

"We are here, Akari." Jonah said. "The President can't speak yet, but she's going to be okay. It is good to see you recovering."

 

"Thanks, but what happened to her?" I asked, looking at the President. She looked at me and pointed at her throat.

 

"That creature grabbed her throat, injuring her larynx. The doctor said she will make a full recovery, it's just bruised, so painful, but nothing serious."

 

"Thanks, Jonah." I smiled at the President, giving her a thumbs up. She returned the gesture, after which I said "Sorry, Madam President. This should never have happened."

 

She motions that it's okay. She can't speak, so let's leave it at that.

 

"Aine, can you please contact the Akagi? I really want them to send down a doctor to check on the President. No, make that all of us. Use a transport craft for the equipment."

 

"Yes, Akari, at once." Aine left us to speak in the corridor using her watch.

 

"It is the least we can do." I said to the President.

 

"Indeed, Akari is right. We feel that we have underestimated the threat." My Empress said.

 

Everyone here agreed to that fact. I then asked Kenji to somehow get the Vahli doctor here.

"Fuku, can you please give me a status report?"

 

"Yes, Akari. The Huntress has suffered minimal damage, but all other ships are undamaged. 

The collective use of turrets, which were standing by as per your request, took out most of the probes. Six out of 73 probes made it through the defenses. One was deflected by the atmosphere, causing it to burn up."

 

"Alright..." I took a deep breath. "...but why didn't you detect them any sooner?"

 

"That data is still being analyzed. Preliminary scans suggest that they used an unfamiliar shield configuration. Those might have deflected our scans."

 

"Alright, thanks Fuku. Keep me up to date. Akari out."

 

I shook my head. So that explains the absence of Rogues...they were consolidating their attack when we were most vulnerable.

"Queen Akari, when you are ready, we can go live." Satoshi said.

 

"Alright everyone, let me do the talking. Satoshi, go live and let me know when."

 

"Akari.....you are so....mature." My mom said, gently squeezing my hand.

 

"That's because I learned from the best." I looked around and made sure that people knew I meant them.

 

"And...we're live." The cameraman said.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are transmitting live from within a hospital in Japan. Due to security reasons we can't reveal the exact location..."

 

I motioned the cameraman to come over to me and Satoshi understood immediately.

 

"....and Queen Akari wishes to speak."

 

I smiled at the camera while sitting on bed, a pillow supporting my back and my legs stretched for maximum comfort.

 

"Hello again, people of Earth. I'm sure that many of you are shocked about tonight's events.

Please allow me to explain what has happened here.

 

First the good news. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan are alright, only shaken by the event. Besides some minor bruising, they are in good health. Same applies to the other guests. 

Madam president can't speak for a while but she is expected to make a full recovery.

As for myself....I won't be walking for a while. 

 

So far the good news.

 

The bad news is that we have lost many guards. Humans, Kakross and Vahli guards. They protected us with their lives until the end. They will not be forgotten, for their vigilance and determination shows the very spirit of our Alliance.

 

Everyone with injuries is now being treated by medical staff who are brave enough to help us, while  we're still figuring out how this could even happen. So let me thank everyone involved in protecting us and saving us." I bow for a moment, "thank you."

 

"None of the people present here can be blamed for the actions of a few Rogue elements.

We are determined to hunt them and exterminate them. They managed to sneak past our collective defenses and even worse....past the Kakross and Vahli heavily armed ships in orbit. It seems we seriously underestimated their resolve, for that....I can only humbly apologize." I bowed for a moment to the camera.

 

"And in order to ensure that all of you can sleep properly tonight....additional ships will be sent to Earth to guard this beautiful planet and the kind people that live here. This shall not happen again. Ever. That is a promise.

 

As for the....let's say...strange thing that happened to me. That's some kind of natural defense mechanism of Vahli Queens. It just happens when we want to protect our friends....and that is what happened here today. So please don't be worried about that. I'm not particularly proud of that side of myself....but it is what it is.

 

Today's lesson is a clear one. We can achieve many great things by just cooperating. By sharing...and sometimes also by...sacrificing. 

 

Let me send one clear message....we will not bow to terrorists.

The treaty stands. The Alliance will hold even though it was attacked while still in its infancy.

Some may try to put a wedge between us, but we shall stick together....and prevail!"

I heard loud cheers behind me. That's a good sign, right? Did that come from the room next door? A television? I turn around and smile, then focus on the camera again.

 

"Now everyone...we planned a surprise for everyone tonight....the best fireworks humanity has ever seen. But out of respect for the lives we lost tonight, I don't feel that it is appropriate anymore. Perhaps we will have a new opportunity for that soon.

 

Now, for matters of security, we have to end our meeting. Let me ask my friends for a final word so we can end this evening properly and renew our friendship again on another day.

 

Anybody have any final words?" I glanced at the Emperor first. 

 

"Yes, Akari." The Emperor said. He walked towards the camera and stood in front of me, but in such a way that the people at home could clearly see what was going on.

 

His wife, the Empress joins him and supports him while walking. It seems like he perhaps sprained an ankle.

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"Akari. I already called you by your first name, something reserved for only close friends. The fact that my wife and I can call you Akari shows what we have already gained tonight.

 

We may have started the Alliance with difficulties, but it is indeed very much alive. We hope that more nations will join, and as hosts to today's historic event...we would like to reach out to those other nations.

 

Contact our Government for any information you might need. And Akari here...Queen Akari....she has already agreed to visit you.

 

And one important lesson which we have learned here today....is that our friends are just as vulnerable as we are. Only by working together did we manage to save lives tonight. I know that some people still fear the Vahli or Kakross as conquerors....but you saw Akari's determination to keep us safe. Let her actions and those of her friends convince you about their true intentions. Look forward to working with them, and joining us into a new Era.

 

And now on a personal note, Akari. Everyone at home, but also the.....people....gathered here in this room have witnessed your determination. Not only to form the Alliance, but also to protect us from bodily harm.

 

As many of you already know from her television interview, Akari was born in Japan and had Japanese nationality. I used past tense, as a police investigation found substantial evidence that she died, and was therefore declared legally dead last year. It is my honor and privilege as Emperor of Japan to correct that error.

 

Henceforth shall Akari again officially be known as Kagiyama, Akari...a valued and very much alive resident of Japan." 

 

They both bowed to me. At this point I started crying. I couldn't speak anymore. I cover my face with my hands and bow to them, as deep as I can, but I can't speak.

 

My mother, the real one, quickly rushes to me and embraces me.

"From the bottom of Akari's heart...thank you, your Majesties. I know her well enough to be able to speak on her behalf. " Then she bowed as well.

 

"Akari. Please." The Empress of Japan addresses me. She gives me a motherly, warm smile.

 

I look at her with teary eyes.

 

"Akari, there is more. This was already decided before this meeting, but your actions tonight only confirm that this is the right thing for us to do. To show our gratitude for guiding your country into a new era....and what we didn't expect tonight...also for protecting us... On behalf of the Emperor of Japan and myself, I bestow on you The grand cordon of The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. It is the highest possible honor a Japanese citizen can be awarded."

 

"No....nonono....that is too much....it was a team effort, not just mine. I'm just Akari." I started crying again.

 

"Please hear me out....just Akari...ha.ha.ha.."

 

This made me smile again, but I'm still crying.

 

"Kagiyama-san........Akari.....Yes, the Alliance is the end result of many people teaming up to create something impressive. But we know you were the driving force behind all of this. And we already mentioned the personal reasons why we bestow this honor upon you. You deserve this. Please say something, Akari." The Emperor said. 

 

I nodded...."t.....thank you.."

 

"Aww...." The Empress took over from her husband.  "Now....as you may or may not have understood, it requires that you are a Japanese citizen. As of today you are a citizen of Tokyo, registered at the address of the Imperial Palace."

 

"My god, No no no....your majesty! I can't...too much!"

 

"But we can and we will. Those are the rights of the Imperial family. While you are not part of the Japanese Imperial Family, you will still be registered here as our permanent guest. So let me be the first to welcome you, Akari. Welcome home to Japan." The Emperor said with a serious expression, then smiling.

 

Suffice to say that I cried for at least a few minutes straight. The Empress herself embraced me until I could finally speak again. I can only assume that the TV ratings are going through the roof, having a live drama unfold before everyone's eyes...in real time.

I look at the people who just welcomed me home.

"Your Majesties, Emperor and Empress of Japan. I bow to you. At least let me show you this least amount of respect. The honor you have bestowed on me is too great for me to accept. But as I have learned from my mother, always say thank you. So, thank you very much. I hope that at least sometime, in some way, I will be able to properly show my gratitude to you."

 

"You already have, Akari. And don't forget, you have already invited us to your....Hive....I believe you called it? We can't wait to meet more of your friends...." The Emperor said.

 

He then looked at Kenji. "...And Nakamura-san... rest assured that we will properly give our thanks to the JSDF, to you and the guards who protected the Imperial Family and their guests with their lives." 

 

At this point I lost focus and thought about what had happened.

 

My thoughts were interrupted when mom touched my shoulder and l smiled the biggest smile ever. By the way, that smile was way bigger now that I'm the proud owner of a real Vahli body..but who's competing?

Their majesties already sat down when I noticed Jonah approaching my bed.

Mom stepped aside to give him some cameratime.

 

"Akari..."

 

"Mr Wall?" 

 

"Akari, on behalf of the President, who cannot speak at the moment, I wish to say the following. 

After the honor their Majesties bestowed upon you, it is very hard for the President to show you an equal amount of gratitude....but we will find something appropriate. But not today.

 

While our first meeting was somewhat difficult due to some cultural differences on both sides, I just want to say.....thank you very much for making this Alliance happen. If you hadn't met the Vahli that fateful day about two years ago...none of us would be sitting here."

 

He turned around and nodded to the Kakross Empress. "No disrespect intended, Empress."

 

"We are not offended by one who speaks the truth. Please continue." She replied. 

 

"That is very much appreciated." Jonah then focused on me again. 

 

Then he continued "As you already have noticed....your communications with our air traffic controllers were....meh..."  He made the appropriate gesture of...well....meh....by making a so-so gesture with his right hand. He did smile, though.

 

"Mr Wall...I..."

 

"Shh....Akari...we haven't completed our speech."  He winked at me for using royal speech.

 

This made me smile for a moment.

 

"We have a little thank-you prepared until the President can thank you properly with her own voice. 

Until then...please see this as just a little thank-you for your efforts and a small contribution to the Alliance. You are hereby requested to visit Andrews Air Force Base where you will train together with a new generation of pilots to properly learn our ways and of course how to properly use the communications protocols. So no more frustration for Air Traffic Controllers, ha ha ha." 

 

"Huh? But..."

 

"One moment, Akari..one more thing. Your efforts so far at using Earth's standardized communication protocols have already benefited safety between all our peoples. Our gesture to further enhance your knowledge is therefore also a symbol for our Alliance. Communication is the basis for understanding. May it benefit our Alliance."

 

According to the cheers I just heard, this really was nice of them! And not just my own imagination.

 

"Thank you, and thank you too, Madam President." I looked at the President on the bed next to mine. "And you knew this was one of my hobbies...so also on a personal note...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart."

 

"You're welcome, Akari. So don't be a stranger and let's stay in touch!"

 

I nodded and then looked at Satoshi, and noticed he was all smiles. I then for some reason looked into the camera and shrugged while smiling. Because....I don't get it anymore.

 

Then the two Empresses approach me at the same time.

 

First the Kakross Empress speaks. "Akari, we have already declared that you are our daughter from today onwards. It is the highest honor we can bestow on you. We thank you again for bringing divided worlds together and saving us.....twice. We shall not forget this."

 

I bowed to her, and had to be diplomatic, because that is today's theme.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart.....mother..." 

 

She returned a smile and nodded.

 

Eh....how many mothers do I have now? I think I lost count.

 

I hear some sounds near the door and see a few familiar faces peeking inside. Ghan, Kira, Chiri and Nivri are standing there. I motion them to move closer.

 

Then I look at my Empress, who says  "Akari, our daughter. Never would we have thought what you were capable of. From the first moment you arrived in our Hive. Accidentally removed from your own Hive....by that one over there....Ghan is his name. Yes...we still haven't forgiven him."

 

I saw Ghan starting to sweat....poor guy. I already forgave him a million years ago.

 

"Never could we have imagined that your existence would have such an impact on the Vahli, Kakross and people of this world. We have already bestowed on you our greatest honor as well, becoming our daughter. But as a very modest...present...as you call them...let us show you a small token of our appreciation.

 

As we know how much you love this world and its inhabitants...we discussed with others in our Alliance and were allowed to tell you the following. Starting tomorrow, we shall help the people of Earth....ALL of them... to clean the atmosphere of pollutants......expect results quite soon."

 

I bowed to her and said "Mother. I take that gift with all of my heart. Thank you...and also on behalf of humans everywhere."

 

She nodded, smiled and they both sat down again.

 

I glanced at Satoshi and he got the hint. "And thank you very much everyone here for allowing us and the people of Earth to witness today's events. Is there anyone who would like to have the final words before we stop our live transmission?"

 

"No? Then we wish you a safe return home and we hope we may meet again in the future. Now back to you in the studio, Takishima-san."

 

"And....offline," the cameraman added.

I motioned Satoshi to come closer to me and said "thank you for being here and helping me. My apologies if anything made you uncomfortable."

 

"No, Akari, it was our pleasure. And on behalf of JNN, thank you for granting us the exclusive story of the century."

 

"Ha ha ha....don't worry Satoshi...things are only starting. I have a hunch you and I will meet again."

 

"Looking forward to that."

 

Satoshi and his team said their goodbyes after respectfully thanking the hosts for allowing the team to be here.

 

Then, surprisingly Miwa walked to me.

 

"Miwa! Are you alright? I'm sorry, I was.."

"Just being a good Queen, yes we know."  She smiled at me. But where did she hide? How could I possibly forget her?  

 

I rolled my eyes and smiled. 

 

"Mother...will you take residence here now?"

 

"That is a very good question, Akari." the Emperor said. "But first....did she just call you mother?"

 

"Your Majesty, yes....she's my adopted daughter. My Empress is her biological mother. But for us there is no difference, she's as much mine as my Empress's."

 

"Ah...that....makes sense then. I already thought you were a bit young to be a mother." His wife said.

 

"Well......let me answer your original question now. While I appreciate the gesture of living here more than anyone could possibly know, I really do have my duties aboard the Akagi. 

Besides, I would hope that my husband, who's sitting over there would miss me." I winked at him.

 

Nivri immediately rushed over to me and gave me a peck on the cheek. 

"Of course my love. And don't forget our children."

 

"Huh? You said you weren't a mother a moment ago?" The Empress said, looking confused.

 

"No no....I apologize for not being precise. Miwa is my adopted daughter, yes. But aboard the Akagi are our biological children."

 

"You mean...children as plural?" 

I could see that the Empress was having a hard time understanding things. Her husband looks quite confused as well.

 

"Your Majesties....Vahli life....works a bit differently. We have 15 children."

 

"FIFTEEN??? Oh...forgive the outburst" The Empress said.

 

"Yes, for now." Nivri said with a wink to me.

 

Ehhh.......okkkaaay.

 

I quickly focused on the Empress while I noticed that many of the others were either giggling or smiling my way. "Of course your Majesty. I said the exact same thing. And please, please ignore what Nivri just said."

 

"But honey.."

 

"Ohhh..that's right. Did you bring that with you?"  I just switched topics, but I winked at him. 

He knows...yep...he knows. 

 

Nivri then handed me the jar of honey we brought back from the US. I know, I could have bought it from a nearby 7 Eleven, but well....I just couldn't give it to her earlier, alright?

 

I put it in front of the Vahli and Kakross Empresses. "My Empresses...this is all natural honey, created from honey bees in the country of Madam President, here on Earth."

 

"Honey...bees?" The Kakross Empress asked, tilting her head.

 

"Yes, the moment I first met a Vahli, no disrespect intended, I thought they looked a bit like Earth's bees. Cute, fuzzy, cuddly, and very productive workers."

 

"We have not heard of this before. Can we see these bees of yours?"

 

"We have already met some this afternoon. The Imperial Family keeps a greenhouse with bees in the gardens close to where we landed."

 

"Oh hooo... might we perhaps..." My Empress said. She seems interested as well.

 

"Well...it's dark now, so I guess they are..sleeping? I don't know.."

 

But then Kenji came to the rescue, walking to my Empress while browsing the internet on his phone.

"Excuse me, Empress, please have a look at this picture."

 

"Oh hooooo.. they ARE very cute! But we fail to see the resem...blance....ah..we see it now.

Same striped pattern, fuzzy uniform, feelers...mmm...and the honey...what is that?"

 

"Mother, it is the nourishment created by these workers. Oh, and they are actually only this small, the picture is zoomed in." I tried to use my fingers to show their actual sizes.

 

"Ahh.....may we...."

 

"Of course, please...eh Kenji, can you please open the jar for her?"

 

He nodded and opened it.

 

"Please everyone, if you like...oh, we don't have any spoons here."

 

"I'm on it.." Aine said. I didn't even see her return and now she has left us again.

 

Not a minute later and she arrived with a few spoons. Not the dessert spoons I was hoping for, but soup spoons. Meh, it works, so why not?

 

"Thanks Aine, please give...yes thank you."

 

The sounds I heard varied from "nice"  to "mmmm!"

 

Oh, and one "ohhhhh Akari....this is yummy!!"  That last one came from Aine.

"Mommmmm! Please, behave yourself. It's not your first taste of it, now is it?"

 

"Ehh....did you...call her mom too?" The Empress lost it again.

 

"Nnnnn........yes. Yes I did. Aine is officially my personal retainer, but she was my mom when my real mom was unavailable. So...she basically adopted me."

 

"Eh....so let me get this straight. You have a real..eh...no...biological mother, two Empresses who you may call mother and Aine who is your sort-of-mother. And you have one adopted daughter and...ahem...15 real children?" 

 

"Yes, those are all girls by the way." I replied.

 

"Yes, we still need to teach her how to create..."

 

"MOTHER!" I don't want them to talk about the mysteries of life. Not now...not ever.

 

She laughed alright.....like everybody else did. But I had the last word to silence them.

 

"Oh, and I forgot three Celestial mothers who call me their daughter. But that just might have been a weird dream....so....I don't know if that counts."

 

I could see the Empress counting using her fingers....yeah...not gonna work.

 

I quickly asked Kenji to show images of wasps to the Kakross Empress and she too saw a few similarities. But she didn't care for the honey very much. Well, different species, different tastes I guess.

After having a bit of informal fun like this, the time came for us to say our goodbyes.

 

The two Empresses left together with Miwa, all of them reminding me to call them frequently. The JSDF will take them to their transports.

 

Their Majesties of Japan invited me to visit them for a cup of tea soon. Something I immediately accepted and thanked for. A visit without the stress or any cameras, I'm already looking forward to that. After thanking them again for hosting the meeting, they left to recuperate from today's events.

At this moment I hear someone knocking on the door.

A JSDF lieutenant just accompanied one of my doctors from the Akagi to this hospital.

 

You won't believe what happened next. I asked for the human doctor who had bandaged me earlier to come and see Vahli medics in action. Let's just say that he was quite surprised.

 

The end result....my leg is properly healed, after crying out in pain for a few seconds. Yeah, it really hurt that bad to close the wound so fast. At least the stitches are out now. Oh, and the President....she's now also happily chatting. Another miracle, Vahli-style.

I thanked everyone around me for their help today and wanted to get out of bed when my Vahli doctor insisted that I didn't walk for a while. That's at least one thing both doctors agreed on.

 

The Vahli doctor then said.... "Eh....my Queen?"

 

"Yes, doctor?"

 

"Your wings....were they always....blue?"

 

I don't know what happened to me this time. Now I look like a Vahli, still feel human, and have the exact same blue wings as the Celestial Kakross lady.....I don't get it anymore. Was it something my body already knew and simply made a dream out of that? 

 

Are the Celestial Empresses real after all? 

 

Or is this simply the result of that feeding session the Kakross Empress gave me? I give up....I just want to go home.

 

I simply shrugged and decided to ignore it for now. I thanked the doctors for their care and the one from the Akagi for traveling all this way. 

 

Kenji's people took care of the hospital's paperwork and everyone went their merry way, promising to meet again soon. 

Finally....I can return home to the Akagi and cuddle my little ones. I'm feeling tired, overwhelmed, thankful, happy.......but above all...just lucky to be surrounded by so many nice people.

 

Nivri princess-carried me out of the hospital. Many people saw that...and asked permission to photograph us. I didn't mind...so I don't think I want to see tomorrow's newspaper.

 

While carrying me outside in the cold of the night, Nivri says "Honey?"

 

"Nope, all eaten." I said while smiling.

 

"Huh? No! I meant you."

 

"I know, my love...just teasing you."

 

"Honey?"

 

"<sigh>, yes Nivri?"

 

"Have you ever seen this planet's moon up close from the Star-deck?"

 

"Eh..no.     Ohhhhhh....you mean..."

 

We stopped for a kiss while my wings fluttered for a second. 

 

"Yes, honey."

 

"Then...my love....be the brightest star in my sky!"

 

"Yes, my Queen, as you command."

 

"Oh Nivri...why would you say that.mmmmmmmm."  

 

He kissed me. I know....shut up Akari. Just...shut up.

"Hey, you guys gonna fly home or what?" Chiri shouted our way. She pointed at a JSDF truck.

 

"Chiri....extra flight duty for you tomorrow morning." I shouted back at her.

 

"Yippee!!!!!!"

 

"Oh, I forgot. That one actually likes the extra flight duty. Nivri....how about we just fly to our transport? Let the others walk if they want."

 

"Excellent idea, my Queen bee."

 

"Eh....no more honey for you today."

 

The JSDF will drive the Vahli doctor and the equipment back to the Imperial Palace where the transport is waiting. 

 

We on the other hand...we simply buzzed over the heads of my friends. I can fly....just...not walk, so this is okay.

 

"You're cleared for landing!" Shouted Kira.

 

"You have two bogeys on your six!" Shouted Ghan, referring to Chiri and Kira who decided to follow us. 

 

We're simply following Aine who has a fix on our craft. Imagine the people here in the streets, seeing some really, really big bees flying over them.

My god, it's been two years already. But look at them...my friends. The Alliance. Peace. Progress. Good times, bad times. Friends gained...friends lost in battle. Weird Vahli body stuff. Having flown a kick ass real interceptor. All of this bee-madness...I wouldn't trade it for all the honey in the world.